52 Personal Observations in thé 
on their surface are many remarkable groups of granite 
boulders ; the soil between these, resulting from the decompo- 
sition of the basalt, being of an exceedingly rich quality. 
The two localities last mentioned, viz. the dividing ranges and 
Dryden’s Monument, for the interest of their geological con- 
formation and the extreme beauty of their scenery, are almost 
unequalled throughout Victoria; and offer to the inhabitants 
of the city, a quiet and instructive retreat for the employ- 
ment of their leisure hours. 
Crossing these ranges the traveller merges into the Murray 
district. Once arrived on the plains, a milder climate than 
that of the more southern portions of the country, is dis-- 
tinctly experienced. These elevated plains belong more or less 
to the basalt formation, and from the fertility of the soil, 
especially in particular places, (as in the neighbourhood of 
Dr. Baynton’s station,) as well as good water, a fine climate, 
gently undulating ground, and most beautiful scenery, are 
highly deserving the attention of the future settler. 
North of the Mie Mie Inn, famous as being the spot where 
the celebrated gold escort robbery took place, the soil is cold : 
and unproductive; but towards Patterson’s station expands into’ 
open and fertile plains, entirely free from stones and boulders. 
- Arrived at the MclIvor diggings, the only particular object 
of interest, is the track marked out by Sir T. Mitchell, in the: 
first exploring expedition ever undertaken through Austra- 
lia Felix. 
The surface of the country north of McIvor, is both clayey 
and rocky; is densely timbered and abounds with precipitous: 
ravines, being thus available only for pastoral pursuits. 
Between Lancefield and Kilmore the road leads over an. 
elevated plateau formed of basalt strata. The face of the 
country is here extremely rocky, and unfit for cultivation ; 
but in the neighbourhood of the latter township its character 
changes, and rich alluvial land gratifies the eye of the obser-' 
ver. Kilmore is fast becoming the centralizing point of an 
important agricultural district, and is already the largest in-— 
land town in the whole colony. 
Eastward of the line of road leading from Kilmore to Sey-. 
mour, is seen the singular peak known to the colonists as 
Ferguson’s “sugar loaf” which possesses a considerable de- 
gree of interest on account of its remarkable conformation 
and appearance. ‘The rich character of the land around this 
peak is well known to the settlers, but owing to its elevated 
position, it is, like the plateaux of Mount Macedon, much ex- 
posed to the injurious influence of the cold. 
